Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Kumbhalgarh – The ancient Shiva temple with a unique Shivling

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Kumbhalgarh Fort is the 2^nd largest fort in Rajasthan. It has many unique features including having the 2^nd largest wall in the world (after the Great Wall of China).

On entering the fort from Ram Pole, one can see the Vedi Complex on left. Located east of the Vedi complex one would find a more than 500 year old Shiva temple. This temple is the Neelkanth Mahadev temple – Neelkanth Mahadev is another name for Lord Shiva (meaning supreme god, one with blue neck – the same happened when Lord Shiva drank the poison or Visha during the Amrit Manthan). It is said that the current structure was made over a dilapidated temple of 10^th century. The current temple was built by Rana Kumbha in 1458 AD.

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Hindu temple architecture can be classified in 3 types on the basis of its access and the circumambulatory path built in it – Sandhara, Nirandhara and Sarvatobhadra. The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is a Sarvatobhadra temple – one can enter the temple from all 4 cardinal directions (east, west, north and south). It has an open mandapa (a columned hallway which leads to garbhagriha or inner sanctum) which is visible from far off.

Another classification of temples is Nagara (North) and Dravida (South) style. This temple is an example of Nagara style.

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On entering the temple from Western side, one would find a large idol of Nandi (just outside the Garbhagriha; garbhagriha means womb chamber, it is small room with no windows, the main shrine which contains a representation or symbol of the main deity). Nandi (the bull) is the vehicle of Lord Shiva, he is also the guardian of gates (gate keeper) of Lord Shiva’s abode in Kailasa.

The garbhagriha contains another uniqueness of this temple – a monolithc Shivaling (symbolic of Lord Shiva the principle deity) which is 6 ft in height (total of 9 ft from the base). It is made out of a single black Kasauti stone – a stone which is used for checking the purity of gold.

It is said that when Rana Kumbha (who was known for his great height) sat for the offerings for prayer on the floor, his eyes were on the same level as that of the Shivling.

There is a stone inscription on a pillar on the left side just outside the garbhagriha which informs that renovations were done by Rana Sanga.

The temple is under ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). There is a board outside which requests you to enter the temple without shoes. There were some wired storage bins for keeping shoes. One can do photography in the temple unlike many Hindu temples no one stops you to do so. The temple also has beautifully carved (but not very intricate) ceiling and pillars and is an example of ancient Indian architectural heritage. The atmosphere in the temple was serene and peaceful and view from the temple amazing.

For more pictures of the temple click here

One can also enjoy the light and sound show in the evenings from outside the temple.

Just a small note – while visiting the temple or any religious place (of any religion) one should respect the religious sentiments and avoid disturbing the peace and sanctity of the place.

Time required – 10-15 minutes